Learner Support in Distance Learning: 

A South African Programme Perspective

A Study by The South African Institute for Distance Education (1999)

© SAIDE, PO Box 31822, Braamfontein, 2017

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 Table of Contents 

Part 1: Perspectives on Learner Support 

1. Aim of this study

2. Structure of this study

3. Research method

Qualitative approach

Flexibility of design

The case study

The population and sampling

Data collection techniques

4. Background and rationale of research

 

5. Towards a definition of learner support

 

Learning materials and learner support

A working definition of learner support

The needs of distance learners

6. Research themes

 

The programme

What is the relationship between learner support and the distance education programme as a whole?

What is the learner support strategy and purpose of the strategy?

What is the medium of learner support?

Who are the support staff and what are their functions?

Where does the support take place?

What quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms exist?

            Are the communication, information and administrative systems responsive enough to support and maintain  the learner support system?

Who bears the cost of learner support?

Part 2: Case Studies 

Introduction

ACCESS Distance Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood Development Training Programme

UNISA: Adult Basic Education and Training Programme

University of the Orange Free State: Bachelor in Management Leadership Programme

University of Pretoria: BCur Programme

University of the Witwatersrand: Further Diploma in Education

Part 3: Lessons of Experience 

3.1 What is the programme and target audience

3.2 What is the relationship between learner support and the distance education programme as a whole?

3.3 What is the learner support strategy and purpose of the strategy?

3.4 What is the medium of learner support?

3.5 Who are the support staff and what are their functions?

3.6 Where does the support take place?

3.7 What quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms exist?

3.8 Are the communication, information and administrative systems responsive enough to support and maintain the learner support system?

3.9 Who bears the cost of learner support?

3.10 Recommendations suggested by lessons of experience

Bibliography 

Appendix One:

Case study programme details

Appendix Two:

SAIDE instruments used to conduct study research (samples)

Appendix Three:

Examples of Learner Support/Quality Control instruments used in Programmes

Appendix Four:

Learner support audit instruments and references thereto

Appendix Five:

A Quality Assurance Model for Learner Support

 

References